While it may not be for everybody, I had a very nice time last night at the new TONY STARLIGHT’S SUPPERCLUB & LOUNGE over at 3728 NE Sandy—and yes, that’s the old Blackbird space, and boy, does it clean up nice. (I couldn’t even see the old “Mercury Sux Dicks” graffiti in the bathroom anymore.)
Admittedly, my expectations going in were pretty low: 1) The building also formerly housed that weird carb restaurant, weird strip joint, and that weird Mexican restaurant, and 2) Tony Starlight was promising a return to the loungey ’50s cabaret experience—which if done wrong can be really kitschy and annoying. However, I was pretty surprised and impressed. The bar and performance area is very tastefully done with plush chairs and a smoky lounge vibe (without the smoke—no cigarettes here, my friend). Actual memorabilia from Vegas entertainers grace the walls, but nothing was overdone. If you were suddenly plopped down in the joint, you’d never guess you were in that Bermuda Triangle of failed businesses.
The food was impressive (especially for such a new place—I had a yummy pork chop and yams dish), and Tony Starlight’s show is campy fun with actual talent to back it up. Old timers (pre-2000) may remember Tony’s (aka Brett Kucera) show back when he was playing the Gypsy, and he sings lounge with a wink without going over the top.
But if nothing else, this is a great place for a drink, or romantic date. Check out the Kansas City-style swing of Pete Peterson and Porkpie (tonight, 8 pm, $8) or Tony’s show tomorrow (Saturday, 8 pm, $8), or just show up for an after-work drink starting at 4 pm. The dress is club casual—not a rule, but Patagonia is strongly discouraged—and while there are still some bugs to work out, this place shows tons of promise as one of Portland’s hot destination spots.
Show some love to Portland’s peeps who refuse to half-ass it.